UTS Grand Final: Alex de Minaur moves into title clash in London, downs Gael Monfils

Alex de Minaur defeated Gael Monfils 10-14, 14-11, 15-18, 14-6 in the first semi-final of the 2024 UTS Grand Final in London at the Copper Box on Sunday December 8.

Playing for a spot in the final, Monfils won the first quarter. But the Frenchman who got injured on Saturday with a locked back was gradually worn down. The Aussie eventually got over the line defeating the 38 year old to reach his third title clash on the UTS Tour.

Monfils eased into a 4-0 lead before De Minaur won his first point. The Aussie tried to find his way through and in desperation used bonus cards late on but Monfils edged ahead 13-10.

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The second quarter opened on a similar note with Monfils taking a 4-1 lead but De Minaur caught up to draw level at 4-4. The two players then went back and forth as the Aussie took the lead for the first time at 9-8. He won another before the veteran used a bonus card. He made it 10-11.

In response De Minaur pressed the bonus car and won three points to regain the lead in the first to 14 scenario. The third quarter turned into a battle as Monfils began to struggle physically and De Minaur pushed away. He went 10-8 up and Monfils failed to cash in on his bonus card and De Minaur did so reaching 15 points there.

The pressure told for Monfils down the stretch as De Minaur won 13-6 and then reached the 14th point to stay unbeaten in London.